Savannah Morning News | Anne Harthttp://savannahnow.com/sms/taxonomy/term/44/
enHart to Heart: Mother Emanuel teaches love is stronger than hatehttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-07-31/hart-heart-mother-emanuel-teaches-love-stronger-hate
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/MEMC copy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="185" /></div><p>"Amazing Grace” has been stuck in my head throughout this summer visit to Charleston.</p>
<p>It started when I slipped away to visit Mother Emanuel Church while my kids were in music camp here in the Holy City. </p>
<p>There were the spiritual’s lyrics on a sheet of worn paper amid the outdoor makeshift memorial of flowers, palmetto rose bouquets, candles, crosses and sea shells that line the front of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.</p>
<p>“Was blind, but now I see.”</p>
<p>The song continued to play later in my head as I found welcome shade in the 14-brick wide, walled Stoll’s Alley that runs between East Bay and Church streets. </p>
<p>It played as I dropped my kids off at violin classes in Charleston’s Circular Church. The words for “Amazing Grace” were inspired in the song’s author John Newton while worshipping at Circular.</p>
<p>The hymn played in my head as my kids and I ate homemade sandwiches under oaks surrounded by sweating tour groups in White Point Garden along the Battery.</p>
<p>It continued as we ducked into The Old Slave Mart Museum while the noon church bells chimed and my kids gripped their violin cases and water bottles.</p>
<p>I thought it was necessary to take my kids — ages 6 and 8 — to the Old Slave Mart Museum on the cobbled Chalmers Street.</p>
<p>Yet, I was reluctant to show them Mother Emanuel Church.</p>
<p>At least, I was at first.</p>
<p>Why? It’s hard to explain. </p>
<p>Both spots represent horrors that humans inflicted on one another, horrors that need to be remembered so as not to be repeated.</p>
<p>Yet the museum is about abhorrent, hateful events that happened a long time ago — events that are gone, finished, part of an atrocious but not to be forgotten history. There are plaques and displays and artifact cases to turn to when the questions get tough.</p>
<p>But taking my kids to a place where a mass shooting occurred last month? </p>
<p>I wasn’t sure I’d be able to answer their whys and hows appropriately about the June 17 Bible study attack without neat and tidy museum displays and plaques and artifact cases to help me.</p>
<p>So I went alone at first to the church where nine people were gunned down by a 21-year-old racist with a .45 caliber Glock pistol.</p>
<p>There in the July heat outside the historic church at 110 Calhoun St., I read the messages of forgiveness left in the memorial. </p>
<p>“Forgive as we have been forgiven” read a giant wooden mural signed by visitors. </p>
<p>“Trust in the Lord,” read a sign on a wreath.</p>
<p>Even the fire hydrant in front of the church is covered in messages like “I pray for you.”</p>
<p>A mobile made of a coat hanger and thread hung on the wrought-iron gate. </p>
<p>From it dangled nine seashells. </p>
<p>Visitors walk silently alongside the bouquets. The only sound is passing traffic and the laughter of preschoolers playing on the nearby day care playground. </p>
<p>Throughout Charleston, storefronts display Charleston Strong signs. </p>
<p>But none seem as powerful as the Charleston Strong banner hanging on the bank next to the church. </p>
<p>Atop the church marquee announcing Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. still reads the name Rev. Clementa Pinckney Pastor.</p>
<p>Should my kids see this? Should I bring them here?</p>
<p>Before I leave, I get my answer. </p>
<p>Scrawled on a poster above the vases are the words “Love is stronger than hate.”</p>
<p>When I pick my kids up at the Circular Church, I tell them we are going to visit another church. </p>
<p>I tell them I am worried about the visit because I don’t know how to explain what happened there.</p>
<p>But that they need to see it. So that when they grow up, they can figure out how to prevent other Mother Emanuel shootings from happening.</p>
<p>Because it’s a church that has an incredibly sad story.</p>
<p>And an incredibly strong one.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-07-31/hart-heart-mother-emanuel-teaches-love-stronger-hate#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartAmazing GraceAnne Hartanne@southernmamas.comauthorCharleston, South CarolinaCharleston–North Charleston–Summerville metropolitan areaChristian musicContact DetailsEmanuel African MethodistEmanuel ChurchGoneJOHN NEWTONJohn NewtonOld Slave Mart MuseumPerson CareerPerson Email AddressProtestant Episcopal ChurchReligious musicSinglesThe Old Slave Mart MuseumSat, 01 Aug 2015 02:27:58 +0000Anne Hart1099859 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Finding the perfect balance at stand-Up paddleboarding http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-07-17/hart-heart-finding-perfect-balance-stand-paddleboarding
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/Paddleboarding.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="184" /></div><p>Good balance gets harder to come by the older you get. I didn’t really need a stand-up paddleboard to remind me of that. Some days just biking with a basket-load of beach gear can be a challenge. </p>
<p>But I was not about to pass up an opportunity this summer to try one of the fastest growing aquatic sports: stand-up paddleboarding. A popular outdoor activity that included the chance to spot marine animals up close and provided a solid workout? </p>
<p>Sold. </p>
<p>Especially since, unlike with jogging, with stand-up paddleboarding all you need to do is jump in to cool off mid-workout. A welcome perk in July in the South.</p>
<p>Challenge No. 1: Getting on the board in the choppy ocean at Hilton Head Island in front of a rather critical audience.</p>
<p>After I slung myself atop the stand-up paddleboard, my daughter said I resembled a seal climbing up on a rock. </p>
<p>Really, what do the other paddleboarders look like? </p>
<p>Um, mermaids, she said. </p>
<p>OK so I wasn’t graceful. So what? I was on a mission: learn to stand on this thing, paddle it and see a dolphin or sea turtle in the mix. I am perfectly OK looking silly if that’s the reward.</p>
<p>Challenge No. 2: Standing up. </p>
<p>This seal took awhile to go from clinging desperately to the board to standing up. </p>
<p>The minute I tried standing, splash. </p>
<p>Nothing like swimming in the Atlantic — way past the unable to stand point — with a paddleboard drifting quickly away in the current to spark thoughts of this summer’s shark attacks along the North and South Carolina coast. </p>
<p>The shark attack fear is just the result of media hype, I told myself. People are safer out here in the deep than driving on I-16. </p>
<p>That didn’t keep me from doing my fastest-yet seal-like scramble back on the board.</p>
<p>Challenge No. 3: Not falling off every few minutes.</p>
<p>My friends who had never tried paddleboarding before managed to stand up, paddle and stay standing on their first try. It took me a few days to figure it out.</p>
<p>But even the falling off constantly stage of learning was fun. This is amazing; I am careening along parallel with pelicans. </p>
<p>Splash. I was back in the ocean.</p>
<p>Do the don’t-think-about-shark-attacks back-on-board seal scramble, again. Balancing, balancing. I’ve got this. Look how well the oar cuts this flat water like ice and leaves swirls of bubbles behind. </p>
<p>Splash. Get back on that board. No shark bite. Success. </p>
<p>Here comes a catamaran. The waving sailor yells to me “You need a sail.” </p>
<p>Can I smile, wave back and balance? </p>
<p>Splash. Apparently not. Maybe I should’ve tried Zumba instead. </p>
<p>According to a report by the Outdoor Industry Association, in 2011, 1.2 million people tried SUP, up 18 percent from 2010. Sales of SUPs doubled to 150,000 in 2011, from 75,000 in 2010, according to the Los Angeles Times.</p>
<p>It took me a few days, but I learned how to balance and paddle on a very-beginner board without plundering into the waves every few minutes. I can pinpoint the exact moment I understood the increase in paddleboard popularity and became slightly hooked on the sport myself.</p>
<p>I was heading back into shore one morning when I spotted a loggerhead sea turtle bobbing in the waves. I stopped paddling. I am pretty sure we made eye contact. The sea turtle quickly disappeared into the deep. </p>
<p>And I managed to point, gasp and wave — all while not to falling off the board.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-07-17/hart-heart-finding-perfect-balance-stand-paddleboarding#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartSocial IssuesAnne HartBoardsportsContact DetailsOutdoor recreationPaddleboardingPaddlingPerson Email AddressQuotationRecreationSavannah Morning NewsSocial IssuesSouth CarolinaSplashSportsSurfboardWatercraft paddlingSat, 18 Jul 2015 01:32:19 +0000Anne Hart1098537 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Praying for a miracle for Rincon's Ella Bothwellhttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-07-03/hart-heart-praying-miracle-rincons-ella-bothwell
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14527156.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="139" /></div><p>Ella Bothwell is a 7-year-old Rincon girl battling an inoperable brain tumor for which there is no cure.</p>
<p>Her parents —Kristine and Ben Bothwell —their family, friends and fellow church members at Savannah Christian Church are praying for a miracle. </p>
<p>Two months ago, Ella was a silly, sweet first grader at Blandford Elementary School who loved doing crafts, drawing, and writing in her journal. She enjoyed creating games with her brother Conner, 8. Or donating toys and participating in car washes to raise money for her grandmother’s non-profit that works with children in Africa.</p>
<p>Then came the headaches this spring, which at first were attributed to Ella’s allergies. After Ella became dizzy and fell down at school twice, her parents took her for a brain scan. </p>
<p>So begin the heartache.</p>
<p>An MRI at Memorial Health showed a diffused intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) on her brain stem. Most diagnoses of this type of highly aggressive, difficult to treat tumors in the base of the brain occur between ages 5 and 9. The survival time for DIPG is on average 9-12 months from diagnosis.</p>
<p>The same April day when Ella was diagnosed, she became quite symptomatic. She was unable to hold her head up. One of her eyes was drooping. Her balance was off and she was unable to walk. </p>
<p>Fortunately, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., offered a clinical trial that Ella could participate in and someone graciously flew the Bothwells to St. Jude.</p>
<p>Then came the experimental oral chemotherapy and radiation. Ella received 30 treatments of radiation, the maximum amount of radiation she can receive in a lifetime.</p>
<p>Ella is currently on a four-week reprieve from treatment. Thanks to Make-A-Wish Foundation and steroids to control her symptoms (vomiting, headaches, balance and coordination) Ella and her family were able to enjoy the first days off at Disney World.</p>
<p>Ella will begin round two of chemo on July 21. The chemo is expected to decrease her platelets, which will compromise her immune system and make her feel badly. This will go on for the next year. </p>
<p>Ella will fly back to St. Jude every eight weeks for scans. </p>
<p>Before diagnosis, Kristine had just finished her master’s degree in early education and got a job earlier this year. Her&nbsp;health benefits kicked in two weeks before Ella was diagnosed. But Kristine had to quit to care for Ella. Ben continues to work as a software programmer.</p>
<p>The questions — among so many that plague their every minute — include how they will pay for the benefits, the medical costs not covered by insurance outside of St. Jude (where they do not incur bills for services there), the flights.</p>
<p>Enter the Bothwell’s solid support system in Effingham County and beyond.</p>
<p>Madrac Farms hosted an Ellafest in June to raise money. A relative worked with a local company to sell T-shirts to support Ella. Friends held car washes to raise money. The Bothwell’s neighborhood tied pink ribbons on their mailboxes when the family came home from St. Jude. Their pastor, Cam Huxford, along with church and community members held a prayer service for Ella. Blandford Elementary raised funds through Effingham County schools by selling bracelets and having dress down days.</p>
<p>On July 12, people can bring their children to meet princesses and mermaids at a Princess and Mermaid Pool Party Fundraiser for Ella at Dasher’s Landing in Rincon. For ticket information, go to enchantmyparty.com and click on events.</p>
<p>Donations also can be made to www.gofundme.com/ellabothwell</p>
<p>The Bothwells tried to explain to Ella what was going on. They told Ella she had a boo-boo on her brain that was causing the symptoms.</p>
<p>Ella quickly picked upon the medical terminology and in no time was referring to her diagnosis as a brain tumor, not a boo-boo.</p>
<p>“Ella is a trooper and tries not to focus on her tumor. She does ask when it will be healed. At this time, we tell her we are praying for God to heal her.”</p>
<p>The Bothwells have not shared with Ella or her brother how grave this diagnosis is.</p>
<p>As Ella’s mom wrote to her family and friends after treatments began:</p>
<p>“St. Jude has been amazing, the people that work at this facility have continued to bring smiles to our faces every day. However, the truth is, this is way bigger than St. Jude. God has gifted so many men and women to be researchers, neurosurgeons and oncologists. Many cures have been found. However, that is not the reality of DIPG. That is not our reality. Our reality is that we need a miracle for Ella. When I say that we are praying for a miracle, I literally mean, that is our only hope.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>How to help Ella</strong>:</p>
<p>What: Princess and Mermaid Pool Party Fundraiser</p>
<p>When: July 12; session 1 at 1-2:30 p.m.; session 2 at 3-4:30 p.m.</p>
<p>Where: Dasher’s Landing in Rincon. </p>
<p>Info: For times and ticket information, visit enchantmyparty.com and click on events; Donations also can be made to www.gofundme.com/ellabothwell</p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-07-03/hart-heart-praying-miracle-rincons-ella-bothwell#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartBusinessReligionSocial IssuesMEMPHISAfricaAnne HartBen BothwellBrain tumorBusinesschemotherapyChristian ChurchConnerContact DetailsElementary SchoolElla BothwellFamily RelationJude Children's Research HospitalMemorial HealthMRIPerson AttributesPerson Email AddressradiationReligionSocial IssuesSt. Jude Children's Research HospitalTennesseeFri, 03 Jul 2015 23:04:38 +0000Anne Hart1097280 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Pediatrician addresses Down syndrome controversies http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-05-22/hart-heart-pediatrician-addresses-down-syndrome-controversies
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14409260.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="420" /></div><p>As a Savannah pediatrician, Dr. Ben Spitalnick knows the dilemmas parents face regarding the care and acceptance of a family member with Down syndrome.</p>
<p>Spitalnick will be the featured speaker at The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society meeting on May 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Fred Williams Homebuilder in Pooler. </p>
<p>The monthly meeting, designed to educate and support families in the area, is free and open to the public.</p>
<p>Spitalnick is co-author of the upcoming book “Baby Care Anywhere: A Quick Guide to Parenting on the Go” and is vice president of the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. </p>
<p>He is an assistant professor for Mercer University and managing partner of Pediatric Associates of Savannah. Spitalnick also serves as a member of the LDSS Board of Directors. </p>
<p>The title of his talk is “Down Syndrome Controversies - The Questions We are Afraid to Ask.”</p>
<p>Spitalnick is one of Savannah’s treasured go-to sources when it comes to people with Down syndrome.</p>
<p><strong>Q: How often does Down syndrome occur today?</strong></p>
<p>A: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. About 1 in every 700 babies has Down syndrome, or about 6,000 births a year in the United States. There are presently about 400,000 people living in the United States with Down syndrome.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Are we seeing a decrease in children born with Down syndrome due to the prevalence of less invasive prenatal screening for it?</strong></p>
<p>A: It’s still a little early to know if Down syndrome births are on the decline, but early signs do show a drop off in the birth rate of DS over the past five years.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Do the majority of women who get a definitive diagnosis of Down syndrome abort?</strong></p>
<p>A: Yes, and while statistics are not exact since it is a very personal decision, most studies estimate the abortion rate for Down syndrome is tragically high at about 92 percent.</p>
<p><strong>Q: What types of opportunities are available for adults with Down syndrome?</strong></p>
<p>A: Opportunities are expanding in new ways every year, and really depend on how the community embraces these adults. The image of the adult with Down syndrome or other special needs as the “bag boy” at the grocery store still holds true in some cases (we miss our champion Bill Lester), but it’s a stereotype that many hope to push beyond. We have amazing programs like the Coastal Center for Developmental Services (CCDS), which helps train young adults with special needs and place them into the workplace. And stellar events like the Night of Champions hosted by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society really help spotlight the value of these individuals to employers, which ultimately creates new jobs and opportunities.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Can you describe how the life expectancy and quality of life for someone with Down syndrome has improved compared with 25 years ago?</strong></p>
<p>A: Decades ago, the life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome was only about 25-30 years, and they could expect to spend much of that time institutionalized. We have come leaps and bounds past that. Now individuals with Down syndrome attend mainstream schools, live meaningful lives with their families, and develop varying degrees of independence. They get jobs and are productive members of society. The life expectancy for Down syndrome is now about 60 years old.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Why the myth that more children with Down syndrome are born to mothers over the age of 35?</strong></p>
<p>A: It’s not so much a myth, it’s just bad statistics. It is indeed true that mothers over the age of 35 have a higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. The odds are about 1:1,200 if mom is 25 years old, 1:350 if mom is 35 years old, and 1:25 if mom is 45 years old. The thing is, fertility rates are much higher in younger women. So even though the risk of a child with Down syndrome is less if mom is under age 35, 80 percent of Down Syndrome births occur in this younger age group.</p>
<p><strong>Q: What myths about Down syndrome would you like to end?</strong></p>
<p>A: That there is anything they cannot do. It’s true people with Down syndrome, especially children, need a lot more of our help. But in the end, the more we put into them, the more they give back to us. The earlier we start therapies, the more we teach them, and the more we include them in society … the more they learn, develop, and succeed in ways we used to not think possible.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Are there varying levels of Down syndrome?</strong></p>
<p>A: No and yes. Ninety-five percent of Down syndrome genetically is usually a single type, known as “nondisjunction,” where there is a third copy of the 21st chromosome. (In less than 5 percent of cases, there are other genetic variations known as “translocation” and “mosaic”.) But even though most cases are the nondisjunction type, there are varying degrees of medical symptoms that can occur. And while there are many recognized medical conditions to watch for (including congenital heart disease, thyroid disease, and cognitive delays), you cannot easily predict which individuals will have the more severe medical issues. That’s why it’s important for physicians (and families) to keep up with medical guidelines that are specific to this syndrome, so we know what to screen for and not miss recognized medical complications.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Why is it so important for families affected by Down syndrome to get involved in a support group like LDSS?</strong></p>
<p>A: While Down syndrome acceptance and understanding has come a long way, there are still many hurdles to overcome. There are others who have fought the same battles for their kids that you are about to, and have plenty to teach about their experiences. They have answers to questions you haven’t even thought of yet. And there are still stereotypes against people with Down Syndrome, which are only overcome by the strength of many coming together. Groups like this can move mountains, I’ve seen it myself. I’d love to tell you the story of how a just few families came together about a decade ago and changed the face of Down syndrome for Savannah and Coastal Georgia … come to a meeting and I’ll tell you.</p>
<p><strong>Q: What else would you like people to know about Down syndrome?</strong></p>
<p>A: If you see a person with Down syndrome, remember they want what you want. They want your respect, not your sympathy. They want to feel important and be productive, not to be taken care of and dependent on others. And while they may need a little more help doing the things we take for granted, they are still perfect, just the way they are.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-05-22/hart-heart-pediatrician-addresses-down-syndrome-controversies#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartBusinessEntertainmentHealthLaborLawTechnologyCoastal GeorgiaPediatric AssociatesAmerican AcademyAnne Hartassistant professorBen SpitalnickBill LesterBusinessco-authorContact DetailsDown syndromeEntertainmentGeorgiaHealthKathryn McGeeLaborLawmanaging partnerMercer UniversitypediatricianPerson CareerPerson Email AddressRett syndromeSavannah Morning NewsspeakerSyndromesTechnologyUnited Statesvice president of the GeorgiaWilliams HomebuilderSat, 23 May 2015 03:08:16 +0000Anne Hart1093409 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Celebrate spring with a getawayhttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-02-27/hart-heart-celebrate-spring-getaway
</p>
<p>Is it spring yet?</p>
<p>Azaleas will be blooming soon and that means time to come out of hibernation and explore our blooming coastal area.</p>
<p>Two favorite daytrips from Savannah are laid-back, kid-friendly spots, Jekyll Island, Ga., and Beaufort, S.C.</p>
<p>Here’s my list of must-do’s when visiting both destinations.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Jekyll Island </strong></p>
<p>Rent bikes and pedal the more than 20 miles of flat trails on Jekyll. Stop at these six must-visit spots:</p>
<p>• Georgia Sea Turtle Center</p>
<p>Visit the state’s only sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility to learn about the endangered sea turtles that visit our coast. Meet some of the turtle patients in the center’s hospital and learn their stories that brought them there.</p>
<p>During the nesting months of summer (June and July), the center leads nightly turtle walks. After the turtles hatch in August, the center offers turtle hatchling walks at dawn.</p>
<p>Admission costs:</p>
<p>• $7 for adults (13+ years)</p>
<p>• $6 for seniors (65+ years)</p>
<p>• $5 for children (4-12 years)</p>
<p>• Free for children 3 and younger.</p>
<p>• $6 for active duty military personnel, college students and teachers (ID required)</p>
<p>214 Stable Road</p>
<p>912-635-4444</p>
<p>www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org</p>
</p>
<p>• Driftwood Beach</p>
<p>A beach on the northeast tip of Jekyll teeming with sea-washed trees that are not only majestic but also fun to climb on.</p>
<p>Free.</p>
<p>Accessible from the bike paths</p>
<p>The beach is a short walk from Jekyll Island Campground at 1197 Riverview Drive. </p>
<p>912-635-3021</p>
</p>
<p>• 4-H Tidelands Nature Center</p>
<p>Guided kayak tours, nature walks, hands-on marine science adventures, and live coastal animal exhibits. The center’s reasonably priced family programs include seining — a naturalist casts a net in the water and talks about all the sea creatures uncovered ($5 per person, free for kids 3 and younger).</p>
<p>Admission cost: $4 (ages 2 and younger are free)</p>
<p>100 S. Riverview Drive</p>
<p>912-635-5032</p>
<p>www.tidelands4h.org</p>
</p>
<p>• Jekyll Island Club Hotel</p>
<p>Founded in 1887 by the Rockefellers, Pulitzers and Astors, this Landmark </p>
<p>Historic District still boasts an elegant spirit as when Victorian-era millionaires once wintered here. In addition to the hotel and hotel bar/restaurant, there’s a bookstore, croquet on the hotel lawn and an ice cream shop.</p>
<p>371 Riverview Drive</p>
<p>855-787-3857</p>
<p>www.jekyllclub.com</p>
</p>
<p>• Summer Waves Water Park</p>
<p>Waterslides, wave pool and the lazy river. There’s a special splash pool for toddlers.</p>
<p>Opens for the Summer 2015 season on May 2.</p>
<p>Admission costs: </p>
<p>General Admission: $19.95</p>
<p>Junior Admission (under 48 inches tall): $15.95</p>
<p>Children 3 &amp; younger are free. </p>
<p>210 South Riverview Drive</p>
<p>912-635-2074</p>
<p>www.jekyllisland.com/summer-waves</p>
</p>
<p>• Horton Pond</p>
<p>Check out the new observation deck at Jekyll Island’s Horton Pond Conservation Project on the northern end of Jekyll. Visitors can spy alligators and turtles basking on the new reptile basking platform in the pond center. A tiny island provides a habitat for nesting wading birds. The .7-mile Tupelo nature trail loop leads to the only stand of black tupelo trees on Jekyll.</p>
<p>Free.</p>
<p>Located across from Villas by the Sea</p>
<p>1175 Beach View Drive </p>
<p>912-635-2521</p>
</p>
<p>Jekyll Island Access Fee</p>
<p>Vehicle entry to Jekyll Island requires a valid parking pass which must be purchased at the Pay-In-The-Lane System or the Guest Information Center upon arrival on the island. One-day parking pass: $6* (tax included). Valid for 24 hours. Weekly parking pass: $28 (Valid for seven-days)</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Beaufort </strong></p>
<p>• The Kazoo Factory museum tours</p>
<p>The museum tours show how kazoos are assembled, imprinted, packaged and shipped worldwide. Kids can also make their own kazoos to take home.</p>
<p>Admission fees:</p>
<p>No charge to browse the museum. </p>
<p>Guided tours: $5 per person. </p>
<p>Children 3 and younger are free. </p>
<p>12 John Galt Road </p>
<p>843-982-6387</p>
<p>www.kazoofactory.com</p>
</p>
<p>• Parris Island Marine Graduation</p>
<p>Graduation ceremonies are open to the public and typically held certain Friday mornings throughout the year. For the exact dates of specific graduation ceremonies, check the 2015 schedule at www.mcrdpi.marines.mil/Graduation</p>
<p>Info/2015Schedule.aspx. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and typically lasts about an hour. To enter Parris Island, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and valid registration.</p>
<p>Free</p>
<p>283 Blvd De France</p>
<p>843-228-3650</p>
<p>www.mcrdpi.marines.mil/</p>
</p>
<p>• Hunting Island State Park and Lighthouse</p>
<p>For an admission of $2, visitors can climb the 167 steps and walk around the observation deck. Children must be 44 inches tall to climb the lighthouse, which is subject to close for repairs without notice.</p>
<p>Admission Fees: </p>
<p>Adults: $5</p>
<p>SC Seniors: $3.25 </p>
<p>Children 6-15: $3</p>
<p>Children 5 and younger are free </p>
<p>2555 Sea Island Parkway </p>
<p>843-838-2011 </p>
<p>www.southcarolinaparks.com/huntingisland/</p>
</p>
<p>• Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Playground</p>
<p>Enjoy shaded play areas, restrooms, a grassy area for picnicking. Kids can watch fishermen showing their skills on the dock in front of the playground.</p>
<p>Free</p>
<p>1010 Bay St.</p>
</p>
<p>• Hwy. 21 Drive-In</p>
<p>End the day by taking the kids to an old-fashioned drive-in.</p>
<p>55 Parker Drive.</p>
<p>843-846-4500</p>
<p>Call the theater for ticket prices</p>
<p>http://hwy21drivein.com/</p>
</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
</p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-02-27/hart-heart-celebrate-spring-getaway#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartEntertainmentBeaufort855-787-3857912-635-3021912-635-4444912-635-5032Anne HartContact DetailsEntertainmentGeorgiaGeorgiaJekyllJekyll IslandPerson Email AddressSea turtleSouth CarolinaStable RoadSummer WavesTurtleUSDwww.georgiaseaturtlecenter.orgwww.jekyllclub.comwww.tidelands4h.orgSat, 28 Feb 2015 02:50:01 +0000Anne Hart1085415 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Savannah artist creates children's picture bookhttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-01-30/hart-heart-savannah-artist-creates-childrens-picture-book
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14092704.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="281" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14092703.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="280" /></div><p> Lots of us have ideas that we’d love to turn into children’s books.</p>
<p>The hard part is putting those ideas into motion and getting such a dream accomplished.</p>
<p>Savannah illustrator and art instructor José Lucio had such an idea. His dream has become a reality in his new self-published children’s picture book “Heave Ho!,” which Lucio wrote and illustrated.</p>
<p>Lucio always has been intrigued with the children’s picture book format. There’s something alluring about the challenge of breaking down your message into its most basic format. </p>
<p>“You can still address big issues, but you have to do it with solid design, both in the visuals and the text,” Lucio said. “Even then, you have to get the text and visuals to work together in a manner that complement and reinforce each other.”</p>
<p>The themes for “Heave Ho!” - teamwork and outside-the-box thinking – come from virtues Lucio holds in high regard in his own life. </p>
<p>In the book, a cheerful little worm pops his head up above ground and is surprised when grabbed by a hungry bird. </p>
<p>The worm must get help from his other worm friends, but the bird has help, too. This leads to a tug-of-war battle. </p>
<p>The battle goes on until the worms are losing ground no matter how hard they try, which prompts one worm to come up with a new idea.</p>
<p>“As an artist, I’ve found that I am truly happy when working with other creative people, and finding out how we can play off of, and influence each others’ work,” Lucio said. “Teamwork makes the dream work!”</p>
<p>“Heave Ho!” is available in Savannah at E. Shaver, The Book Lady and Roots Up Gallery or online at <a href="http://www.JoseLucio.com" title="www.JoseLucio.com">www.JoseLucio.com</a>. </p>
<p>Lucio will be at Local Author Day in coordination with the Flannery O’Connor Birthday Celebration March 29 in LaFayette Square in</p>
<p> downtown Savannah. </p>
</p>
<p>What do you hope children will take away from “Heave Ho!”?</p>
<p>Lucio:</p>
<p> “I hope, first and foremost, that children get a sense of enjoyment from the book. Any deeper messages there waiting for them will be lost if they aren’t initially captivated. That’s the great thing about kids, they’re really honest; if they don’t like it, they’ll let you know.”</p>
</p>
<p>What are the advantages of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing?</p>
<p>“I can’t really speak for traditional publishing since I haven’t been directly associated with it. But surely the No. 1 advantage to self-publishing is complete creative control. I’ve worked on a lot of creative projects before “Heave Ho!” I’ve always just done them because they were something that I was interested in and wanted to do. I didn’t have to wait for someone to give me the go ahead or help me along. But for some reason with this project I got hung up on trying to get published for a long time. Because of the publishing dilemma, I had been sitting on the book for years. I would always tell people about it and address it as a ‘one of these days’ sort of thing. After long enough of that, I asked myself ‘Why am I approaching this any different than the other projects I work on?’ That’s when I went forward with the self-publishing.”</p>
</p>
<p>What advice do you have for people who have ideas for a children’s book but are intimidated by the writing/publishing process?</p>
<p>“Talk to everyone about it. This helps in so many ways. It helps to iron out any ideas you’re working on, and it helps to find leads on what to do next. You never know, maybe someone you know has a cousin who ‘knows a guy’ in the field.”</p>
</p>
<p>Which was the most challenging part of the book process - illustrating, writing, publishing or promoting?</p>
<p>“The marketing. I’m still figuring it out every day. It’s all the cold-calling or should I say cold-emailing that can be tricky for me. I’m definitely not a salesman, but luckily I think the book speaks for itself. That’s why book festivals and readings have been the best avenue for me. It’s a matter of the physical book being there in front of them, instead of trying to get someone to click a link from an email of someone they don’t know.”</p>
</p>
<p>What is the most rewarding part?</p>
<p>“Seeing and hearing how the kids really enjoy the book. At readings, the kids love shouting out ‘Heave Ho!’ as another worm comes to help out the worm buddies. They also get excited when they pick up on the foreshadowing elements in the illustrations, which are in many of the pages.</p>
<p>“One of my 5-year-old students at Scribble Art Studio got the book for Christmas. When she came back to class, she was quoting the book to the other kids, which of course made me incredibly proud and overjoyed. Moments like that are priceless for me, because those kids don’t know the difference between self-publishing and the major publishing houses. To them, my book has just as much a chance as the other books on the shelf.”</p>
</p>
<p>Any plans for future books?</p>
<p>“There are definitely plans for more books in the future. When I established myself as a self-publisher, I did it in a manner that would secure spots for more books under my publishing house Annelidical Books. Get it? I have one in the works now about a group of chickens making the transition from caged to free-range, and all the scariness that the unknown brings with it. I’ve also been thinking about a counting book with our wormy friends from ‘Heave Ho!’”</p>
</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
</p>
<p><strong /></strong></p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-01-30/hart-heart-savannah-artist-creates-childrens-picture-book#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartEntertainmentAnne HartartistauthorConnor BirthdayContact DetailsEntertainmentillustratorinstructorJos LucioLafayette SquarePerson CareerPerson Email AddressQuotationRoots Up GallerySavannahwww.JoseLucio.comSat, 31 Jan 2015 01:55:38 +0000Anne Hart1082818 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: A mom's fight for Ava's Lawhttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-01-16/hart-heart-moms-fight-avas-law
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14054662.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="373" /></div><p> Without intensive therapy, Ava Bullard, 10, of Lyons would still be in a special education class and would be dependent on the state for the rest of her life. </p>
<p>But thanks to therapy, she is a thriving, independent fifth grader who says she will be “a fashion designer” and “own her own business” in Lyons.</p>
<p>Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Ava couldn’t speak a word and didn’t respond to her name. She didn’t point or raise her arms to be picked up. </p>
<p>She didn’t play with any toys.</p>
<p>Therapy changed all that. </p>
<p>Today, Ava no longer needs intensive therapy. </p>
<p>But her mom, Anna Bullard, continues to fight for other Georgia families affected by autism who believe that their children deserve the opportunity to receive treatment and reach their potentials.</p>
<p>Bullard wants Georgia state legislators to pass Ava’s Law, which would require insurance companies to pay for “evidence-driven treatment,” or treatment that’s been scientifically shown to help kids with an autism spectrum disorder. </p>
<p>Georgia is one of 12 states that do not require insurers to pay for autism treatment.</p>
<p>“Passing Ava’s Law is not just about ending discrimination of those diagnosed with autism, it is a statement to who we are as Georgians,” Bullard said. “Thirty-eight states have passed legislation and a lot of these states are moving forward to provide Medicaid coverage. Almost half of self-funded companies across the nation have added the autism benefit and more continue to follow.” </p>
<p>Bullard believes Georgia can and should take care of its own including children with autism.</p>
<p>“We didn’t know what Ava’s potential was. We don’t know the potential of any child diagnosed with autism,” Bullard said. “That is why it is so important that in Georgia our family and friends with autism have access to medically-necessary treatment.” </p>
<p> How old was Ava when she started therapy?</p>
<p>“When Ava was 2, my mom urged me to talk to the pediatrician about our concerns. Because we live in a rural area, we spent six months going to different doctors trying to find someone who could test for autism. We finally got in with a developmental pediatrician in Savannah who diagnosed Ava with ASD. </p>
<p>I asked the developmental pediatrician where Ava could get ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, which was recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and recognized as the most effective treatment. She said it was not available where I lived and that I would have to move to South Carolina or Florida to get Ava in an intensive ABA program. </p>
<p>She recommended the Special Education program in the public school system. Thankfully, we found the Early Autism Project who were willing to provide an in-home intensive ABA program for Ava.” </p>
</p>
<p>How long had Ava been in therapy when she began to show improvements?</p>
<p>“We were skeptical because we didn’t know anyone with autism who had benefited from ABA and we didn’t know how effective it would be. As months progressed, Ava began to develop language and was able to go with our family to church, restaurants and out in the community without having a meltdown. </p>
<p>Soon the behavior analyst helped integrate Ava into a regular education classroom. By first grade, Ava was in the top group and receiving less than five hours of ABA per week. Now Ava is in fifth grade, was just inducted into the junior beta club, has friends and is indistinguishable from her peers. </p>
<p>Ava’s autism still poses many challenges for her, but she is able to work through those. Her strength and determination always amazes me.”</p>
</p>
<p>Why was it important to have the therapy even if it wasn’t covered? </p>
<p>“We had insurance through the state health benefit plan because my husband is a teacher. We received a notice from United Healthcare that autism was an excluded coverage under our plan. Ava’s speech therapy would no longer be covered because of the autism diagnosis and they would not cover any ABA. </p>
<p>I could apply for Medicaid if Ava was deemed disabled by the state. However, ABA, the medically necessary treatment prescribed by the doctor, was not covered under Medicaid or the Katie Beckett Waiver. We had to give Ava her best chance. All the research shows that children with autism who made the most progress began treatment between the ages of 2 to 5.”</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong> How to help </strong></p>
<p>The Third Annual Autism Day at the Georgia capitol in Atlanta is scheduled for Jan. 28. Supporters will wear red and meet at the stairs on the second floor at noon</p>
<p>Follow Ava’s Law supporters at Facebook.com/avaslaw or email Anna Bullard at annawb3@gmail.com</p>
</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
</p>
<p><strong /></strong></p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-01-16/hart-heart-moms-fight-avas-law#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartHealthLaborSocial IssuesTechnologyAbnormal psychologyAnna BullardAnne HartApplied behavior analysisAutismAva BullardBehaviorismContact Detailsfashion designerforwardGeorgiaHealthLaborpediatricianPerson AttributesPerson Email AddressPervasive developmental disordersPsychiatryQuotationSocial IssuesTechnologySat, 17 Jan 2015 01:11:06 +0000Anne Hart1081529 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Ski trip proves comedic for Southernershttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-01-02/hart-heart-ski-trip-proves-comedic-southerners
</p>
<p>Teaching Southern kids how to snow ski or just walk in ski boots is a lot like trying to corral drunk people.</p>
<p>They have difficulty walking without wobbling; they can’t handle the snowy stairs without completely embracing the banister; and falling down repeatedly makes them howl with uncontrollable laughter. </p>
<p>And that’s even before you hit the bunny hill. </p>
<p>But best of all, the next day, they don’t remember any of the embarrassment that comes with doing a backward snow-plow down the slope smack into a group of snow-board school students. </p>
<p>My two kids - ages 8 and 6 - tried snow skiing for the first time this holiday season. </p>
<p>Beech Mountain in North Carolina - one of the highest points in North Carolina at 5,506 feet above sea level - proved to be the ideal spot for my two Savannah natives to experience snow face plants. </p>
<p>And all the pain and awkwardness that comes with just walking in ski boots.</p>
<p>As Southern writer Lewis Grizzard wrote about Southerners trying to walk in ski boots: “Imagine trying to walk with two Greyhound buses strapped to your feet.” </p>
<p>“Kids pick up skiing so easily,” my Yankee snow-savvy friends assured me before the trip.</p>
<p>Really? Even Southern kids who grow up in an area where the mere forecast of snow can empty grocery store shelves and close down schools?</p>
<p>Not sure if “easily” is the apt description. </p>
<p>But if embracing skiing means promptly making snow angels after every crash landing before finally learning how to stop, they definitely got it.</p>
<p>“I can’t wait to eat the snow,” exclaimed my daughter after getting her first glimpse of the bunny hill. </p>
<p>Which was a much-needed reminder that I needed to explain the vast dietary difference between artificial snow and real snow. </p>
<p>For anyone who thinks that all the hassle, bulky gear and hard-work that goes into a family ski trip Southern-style (i.e. on artificial snow) isn’t worth it, consider the wonder that comes when you put kids who never even see hills on the side of on a mountain, surrounded by other mountains.</p>
<p>Sure, there are those noisy artificial snow-making machines that look like giant fans spewing white powder – a staple at all Southern ski resorts. </p>
<p>But every now and then, even the Dixie slopes get the real stuff, too. As we did on our venture. </p>
<p>Seeing your Lowcountry kids sporting ruddy cheeks while trying to pack a snowball in such foreign terrain is worth every frustration and all the neuroses that comes with driving on snow. </p>
<p>But the Southeast does have ski areas worth the one or two tank drive and without the extra expense of flying out west. </p>
<p>But remember what Grizzard also wrote about the best part of skiing: “Taking off those boots, Tex. Taking off those boots.”</p>
</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
</p>
<p><strong /></strong></p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-01-02/hart-heart-ski-trip-proves-comedic-southerners#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartSocial IssuesAs SouthernGreyhoundAnne HartBootContact DetailsFootwearLewis GrizzardMeteorologyNorth CarolinaOlympic sportsPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPrecipitationSkiSkiingSnowSocial IssuesSportsWaterWinter sportswriterSat, 03 Jan 2015 01:56:30 +0000Anne Hart1080309 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Visit Hilton Head for the holidayshttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-12-19/hart-heart-visit-hilton-head-holidays
<p>When I moved to Savannah 15 years ago, one of the many surprising discoveries was how few Savannah residents visit Hilton Head Isand. </p>
<p>Only a roughly 60-minute drive from Savannah, Hilton Head is a vacation mecca for families in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, etc., but for some reason, those right in Savannah rarely venture over the bridges to enjoy this coveted family friendly island. </p>
<p>Folks from Cleveland pack their minivan and drive a forever-worth-of “Are we there yet?” to Hilton Head for one week a year, but we can’t even commit to a day trip to that biking, golfing, beaching paradise?</p>
<p>Doesn’t make sense. </p>
<p>So let’s change all that. </p>
<p>Here are some reasons to trek across the Talmadge Bridge and pay tribute to that famous foot-shaped barrier island this holiday season. </p>
</p>
<p>Free family events at Sea Pines Resort</p>
<p>You can see Harbour Town’s holiday lights display - including the decorated lighthouse - and take part in various free events happening during December.</p>
<p>There is a $6 per vehicle charge to enter Sea Pines Resort gate.</p>
<p>• Outdoor Movie: “Polar Express” on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit by watching this magical movie under the Liberty Oak. Bench seating will be provided and admission is complimentary with the donation of a canned good for Deep Well. A fire pit and s’mores will also be available.</p>
<p>• Free outdoor family concert with Gregg Russell: Dec. 23 at 7:30-9 p.m. Relish the spirit of the holidays with an evening in Harbour Town. Listen as Gregg Russell plays his guitar and sings songs of the season for children and adults. After the concert, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus.</p>
<p>• Holiday Fun, Holiday Movies, Marshmallow-roasting in Harbour Town: Dec. 27-30 from 4 to 8 p.m. Come to the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town to watch classic holiday movies, roast marshmallows over a fire pit, and enjoy festive games and activities for the whole family. Games and activities start at 4 p.m. and the movie and fire pit start at 6 p.m.</p>
</p>
<p>Dove Street Festival of Lights at Shelter Cove Towne Centre, Hilton Head Island </p>
</p>
<p>The Dove Street Festival of Lights, an Island holiday tradition for 20 years, is back to life at Shelter Cove Towne Centre. With the blessing of founders Paul and Kristi Beckler and Rob Lolik, visitors from across the region will once again be able to experience the magic of the cascading and tastefully tacky display.</p>
<p>The Dove Street Festival of Lights will run through Jan. 4 and will be open to the public nightly from 6-10 p.m. Visitors will be able to gain entrance to the Dove Street Festival of Lights via both the Kroger and Belk sides of the Towne Centre. Free family evening activities throughout the holidays. </p>
</p>
<p><strong>Nightly event details here: </strong></p>
</p>
<p><strong>The Sandbox Children’s Museum</strong></p>
<p><strong>Parents’ Night Out</strong></p>
</p>
<p>Dec. 22 and Dec. 29; 6-9 p.m.</p>
<p>$30 per child for non-members, $20 per child for members. Let us watch the kids while you sneak away for last-minute shopping, wrapping presents, or just enjoy some peace and quiet! Reservations required. Call 843-842-7645 to sign up.</p>
</p>
<p><strong /></strong></p>
<p><strong>‘Twas Two Days Before Christmas</strong></p>
</p>
<p>Dec 23; 10:30 a.m.-noon</p>
<p>Included in admission. Join in as Santa stops by and reads a classic holiday story, then decorate a frame to use for your favorite holiday picture! They’ll have cocoa and cookies on the porch, too!</p>
</p>
<p><strong>Santa’s Last Stop</strong></p>
<p>Dec 24; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.</p>
<p>Included in admission. Santa will be stopping by one final time before he heads to the North Pole - make sure you’re here to drop off your last-minute wish list and snap a picture with the holly jolly guy himself.</p>
</p>
<p><strong>Noon Year’s Eve</strong></p>
<p>Dec. 31; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.</p>
<p>$10 for non-members, $8 for members. Are the kids excited to ring in 2015, but you know they won’t make it up until midnight? Come over and celebrate. Bounce house, snow machine, activities and games, lunch and a balloon drop at noon.</p>
<p>Details at www.thesandbox.org.</p>
</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
</p>
<p><strong /></strong></p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-12-19/hart-heart-visit-hilton-head-holidays#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartClevelandHarbour TownAnne HartContact DetailsFestival of LightsGeography of GeorgiaGeography of the United StatesGregg RussellGregg RussellGullahHarbour Town'sheadHiltonHilton Head Island, South CarolinaHilton Head Island-Beaufort micropolitan areaIndianaKentuckyOhioPennsylvaniaPerson Email AddressPolar ExpressPublic houseRob LolikSavannah, GeorgiaSS SavannahTalmadge BridgeUnited StatesUSDWISSat, 20 Dec 2014 00:43:52 +0000Anne Hart1079175 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Homeowners light up the night for Christmashttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-12-05/hart-heart-homeowners-light-night-christmas
<p>When people come to David Peabody’s Savannah home, they are looking for a home with thousands of computerized “dancing” lights displays that are choreographed to blink, twink and fade in sync with a custom-mixed soundtrack of holiday tunes.</p>
<p>And that’s exactly what they get. </p>
<p>Every December, hundreds of people - some who don’t even live in Savannah - drive to Peabody’s home at 182 Mills Run Drive near Chatham Parkway to see his elaborate and brilliant dancing lights home display.</p>
<p>“I have had people tell me that they’ve driven hours to see my house on someone else’s word that it would be worth their time,” Peabody said. </p>
<p>Peabody is part of a craze of Christmas-light enthusiasts who use computerized lighting systems to put on professional holiday light shows and attract a nightly drive-by audience.</p>
<p>This year, the Peabody home lights display includes about 140,000-ish regular style lights, 70 red, green and blue strips, eight red, green and blue flood lights, 12 cosmic ribbons and a handful of figure displays. </p>
<p>Don’t forget the giant Santa on the roof and snow machines. </p>
<p>Sorry longtime drive-by fans. No fountains this year. </p>
<p>“I regretfully decided not to do the fountains this year due to getting married in London and several other life events which affected timing this year,” Peabody said. “I almost decided to skip this year altogether, but the last year I skipped in 2012 there were a lot of disappointed people.”</p>
<p>That’s the only year Peabody didn’t put up Christmas lights since moving into the house in 2005. He upgraded to an animated display in 2009.</p>
<p>A fan of Christmas lights since he was kid, Peabody has warm memories decorating his home as well as those of his friends and relatives as a child. He grew up visiting the Roddenberry home each Christmas, which was a Savannah holiday tradition for many. Jack Roddenberry used to decorate his Windsor Road house with lights every Christmas for decades. </p>
<p>“My mother would take us over there several times during the season to see it,” Peabody said. “I wanted my show to became as popular as they were, with people visiting multiple times with their families and enjoying the show together.”</p>
<p>Goal achieved. </p>
<p>Homes of Integrity Construction Co. Inc. employees have similar holiday goals.</p>
<p>Homes of Integrity has put up two such dancing light displays this year - one at home at 115 Waverly Way in Waverly at the Highlands in Pooler and another at 247 Waverly Way in Heathrow at Sterling Lakes in Richmond Hill. </p>
<p>The company put up their first dancing lights home display in 2010 in Richmond Hill. </p>
<p>We love Christmas and we want to share this as our gift to our customers and community,” said Meagan Mowry, vice president of Homes of Integrity Construction. “Each year we receive several emails, calls and letters of appreciation.”</p>
<p>Mowry said she enjoys being part of people’s Christmas memories, even in this small way. </p>
<p>“It’s also quite an experience for our staff who put the show on each year,” Mowry said. “On ‘light day’ our entire staff comes together at the house and we do the work together as a team.” </p>
<p>Mowry said she appreciates the neighboring homes for being gracious with the hundreds of additional vehicles that will be coming through this year. </p>
<p>The most common question Peabody receives about his display: How’s your electric bill?</p>
<p>The answer will surprise you.</p>
<p>“I always have the lowest bills of the year for December and January. Even though there are a lot of lights they’re not all on and because they are computer controlled I will never forget to turn them off in the evening.”</p>
<p>For Peabody, putting out the lights is the easy part. The wiring is more complicated and time consuming. </p>
<p>“I actually own more miles of extension cords than lights,” said Peabody, whose other job (other than Christmas lights guru) is Chief Information Officer for the Neurological Institute of Savannah. </p>
<p>But with help from family and friends, he gets the display up in about seven days, working 10 to 12 hours a day to get everything wired in. Taking it down: about two days. </p>
<p>What are his plans for next year’s display?</p>
<p>Even bigger. </p>
<p>An additional 40,000 lights, 10,000 C9 (outdoor) lights, 14 more trees, 16 red, green and blue flood lights and 300 red, green and blue strips.</p>
<p>“If I have my way next year, I will also include a train that goes through the winter wonderland.”</p>
</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Area Christmas lights displays and decorations </strong></p>
<p>• 182 Mills Run Dr. Display times: Sun.-Thur. 6-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 6-11 p.m.</p>
<p>• 512 Gordonston Ave. Old-fashioned holiday yard display that on certain nights features hot chocolate for visitors and even Santa visits.</p>
<p>• 125 Sea Palm Road in Palmetto Cove subdivision, Wilmington Island</p>
<p>• 116 N. Sheftall Circle, Wilmington Island.</p>
<p>• 115 Waverly Way in Waverly at the Highlands, Pooler Nightly viewing, 6-10 p.m.</p>
<p>• 247 Waverly Way in Heathrow at Sterling Lakes, Richmond Hill. Nightly viewing 6-10 p.m. </p>
<p>• 202 Blue Marlin Drive off Jamaican Run in Seagate, Whitemarsh Island.</p>
<p /></p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-12-05/hart-heart-homeowners-light-night-christmas#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartBusinessLaborLawLondonSavannahWindsorIntegrity Construction Co. Inc.Anne HartBusinessChristmasChristmasChristmas decorationsChristmas lightsContact DetailsDavid PeabodyJack RoddenberryLaborLawLightingMeagan MowryPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPerson LocationQuotationSat, 06 Dec 2014 03:05:42 +0000Anne Hart1078022 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: First Tee celebrates 10 yearshttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-09-26/hart-heart-first-tee-celebrates-10-years
</p>
<p>Tawana Parker knows firsthand the positive effects of The First Tee of Savannah, a top youth development program which teaches life skills and leadership through golf. </p>
<p>As a single Savannah mom she’s seen her 14-year-old son, Leroy Parker Jr., thrive since starting First Tee almost four years ago. He’s grown to appreciate the importance of being courteous, responsible, mature and loyal.</p>
<p>Oh, and did I mention, the ninth grader at Jenkins High School also became an up and coming golfer?</p>
<p>“They call him ‘Leroy Woods,’’ joked Tawana Parker. </p>
<p>Parker credits her son’s success in school — he is a ninth-grader in the highly competitive Jenkins High School Engineering program and plans to take the PSAT for 10th graders as a 9th grader — to The First Tee program. </p>
<p>Parker said her son is thrilled that the summer Olympics 2016 will include golf. She said his goal is that he will someday qualify.</p>
<p>After that, he aims to become an engineer, and an avid golfer as a back-up.</p>
<p>Just look at Leroy Parker as the reason why all of our kids should be enrolled in this amazing program.</p>
<p>In 10 short years, the Savannah First Tee chapter has extended their reach to more than 40,000 children, said Barbara Essig, executive director of First Tee of Savannah.</p>
<p>“Golf and personal development are the foundations of The First Tee of Savannah. We provide access to life skills and character development using golf as the catalyst,’’ Essig said. “What better learning environment for parents to bring their children to learn Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits so that they are better prepared for the challenging links in life?” </p>
<p>The First Tee of Savannah will celebrate a decade of success at their 10th Anniversary Gala Celebration with Stevens Hale and Associates as presenting sponsors on Oct. 11 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort &amp; Spa.</p>
<p>Themed “Links to Success,” the evening will tee-off with dinner, a silent auction, live music and dancing.</p>
<p>Most importantly, the gala will showcase how the program has grown from serving 150 participants in 2004 to providing access to golf for more than 40,000 young people over the past 10 years.</p>
<p>The gala also will highlight how the youth development organization has positively impacted and influenced the youth of Savannah.</p>
<p>As a tribute to the late Ben Tucker, world renowned jazz artist and past board member of The </p>
<p>First Tee of Savannah, a scholarship will be established in Tucker’s name for participating seniors entering college. The initial scholarship will be awarded during the gala.</p>
<p>Joe Louis Barrow Jr., The First Tee’s chief executive officer, is the keynote speaker. Barrow is the son of Joe Louis, also known as the “Brown Bomber,” who was an American professional boxer and the World Heavyweight Champions from 1939 to 1949. Barrow was introduced to the game of golf by his father, and is leaving a legacy on the young people through The First Tee and the game of golf.</p>
<p>Leroy Parker plans to attend the First Tee anniversary celebration.</p>
<p>That is, after he finishes his daily practice in his backyard driver and return putting green.</p>
<p>Hey, you don’t get selected to attend The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy in San Diego, Calif. this past summer just by practicing once a week. </p>
<p>“First Tee opens up a whole new world,” Tawana Parker said. “Every child should have the opportunity to become good at something that they’ll have for the rest of their life.”</p>
<p>Interested in signing up your child for The First Tee of Savannah? Contact Barbara Essig, the executive director, at <a href="mailto:bessig@thefirstteesavannah.org">bessig@thefirstteesavannah.org</a>, or go to thefirstteesavannah.org.</p>
</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
<p /></p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-09-26/hart-heart-first-tee-celebrates-10-years#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartEducationTechnologyThe First TeeAnne HartBarbara EssigContact DetailsEducationengineerexecutive directorFamily RelationFirst Tee OpenGeography of GeorgiaGolfGolferJoe Louis Barrow Jr.Leroy ParkerLeroy Parker Jr.Leroy WoodsPerson CareerPerson Email AddressQuotationSavannah, GeorgiaSportsTawana ParkerTechnologyTeeThe First Teethe Summer OlympicsSat, 27 Sep 2014 03:15:32 +0000Anne Hart1071669 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Homeschooling group collects supporthttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-08-15/hart-heart-homeschooling-group-collects-support
<p>Google “homeschool activities in Savannah” and you’ll receive a plethora of results. </p>
<p>But that wasn’t the case in 2009 when Kristin Bigalke of Rincon starting homeschooling her 2 and 4 year olds. </p>
<p>Fortunately, Kristin and her husband Ron were prepared and knew where to find homeschool resources and curriculum because they had long planned to homeschool their children.</p>
<p>Now, as area manager for the national homeschool program Classical Conversations, Bigalke has seen first-hand how Savannah’s local homeschooling community has blossomed since her early days as a home-educating parent. </p>
<p>With that growth has come a welcome increase in the number of local organizations and businesses that are offering more weekday programs for homeschoolers. </p>
<p>In 2009, the local Classical Conversations homeschool program started with just one community in Rincon with 18 students in the younger program and three students in the junior high program. </p>
<p>This year, that program has expanded to six communities in the Savannah area (Rincon, Garden City, Berwick, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Hinesville.) </p>
<p>Those communities have about 300 students in the elementary programs; 35 in the junior high programs; and about 30 in the high school programs. </p>
<p>Classical Conversations also has communities in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Beaufort, S.C.</p>
<p>And Classical Conversations is just one of several active, growing homeschool groups in Savannah. </p>
<p>In other words, homeschooling is becoming more and more mainstream. </p>
<p>As an increasing number of Savannah families turn to homeschooling, organizations and businesses are responding with programs geared toward homeschoolers. </p>
<p>Fall art classes at Telfair Museum’s Jepson Center include drawing and portfolio-building classes specifically for homeschoolers. Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah now offers four educational programs for homeschoolers as part of their Roots and Shoots Environmental Education curriculum based on Georgia state standards for science grades K-6.</p>
<p>Studios like Savannah’s Clay Spot and Scribble Art Studio have specific art classes for homeschoolers. </p>
<p>The Savannah Musical Festival’s Musical Explorers arts education program is open not just to schools, but to homeschool groups, as well. </p>
<p>And the list goes on and on. </p>
<p>“There are sports programs available to home educators, music lessons, art lessons, science programs,” Bigalke said. “We have been on numerous field trips which have been accommodating to our homeschool group - the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, the planetarium at Georgia Southern, the Center for Wildlife Education at Georgia Southern, Okefenokee Swamp Tours, Fort King George Historic Site in Darien …”</p>
<p>Expect that list to grow even longer. </p>
<p>But organizations need to know that home-educators do follow a specific curriculum, Bigalke said. </p>
<p>Not every homeschooling group can attend every community home-schooling program or class . </p>
<p>So if there isn’t a huge turnout for one homeschool-targeted activity, please don’t do away with it, Bigalke urges. </p>
<p>It may just fit into the homeschool curriculum for next year. </p>
<p>Sounds like a lesson in that one virtue every home-educating parent knows very well. </p>
<p>Patience. </p>
<p />
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
</p>
<p>Savannah activities for homeschoolers</p>
<p>• New homeschool art classes at Telfair’s Jepson Center: <a href="http://www.telfair.org/learn/classes/youth/" title="http://www.telfair.org/learn/classes/youth/">http://www.telfair.org/learn/classes/youth/</a></p>
<p>• New homeschool science program at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens: <a href="http://www.coastalgeorgiabg.org/education.html" title="http://www.coastalgeorgiabg.org/education.html">http://www.coastalgeorgiabg.org/education.html</a></p>
<p>• Savannah Music Festival’s Musical Explorers program. Deadline for schools and homeschool groups to apply is Aug. 18: <a href="http://www.savannahmusicfestival.org/education/musicalexplorers.php" title="http://www.savannahmusicfestival.org/education/musicalexplorers.php">http://www.savannahmusicfestival.org/education/musicalexplorers.php</a></p>
</p>
<p>Classical Conversations</p>
<p>For more information on Classical Conversations group in Savannah that helps equip, encourage and support parents in their homeschooling endeavors, please contact Michele Stuchell at <a href="mailto:mstuchell@classicalconversations.com">mstuchell@classicalconversations.com</a> or Kristin Bigalke at <a href="mailto:kbigalke@classicalconversations.com">kbigalke@classicalconversations.com</a></p>
</p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-08-15/hart-heart-homeschooling-group-collects-support#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartEducationHinesvilleGoogleAlternative educationAnne HartContact DetailsEducationFamily RelationGeorgiaHomeschoolingKristin BigalkemanagerPerson Email AddressPerson RelationQuotationRonSavannah music festivalSavannah, GeorgiaSouth CarolinaTelfair Museum's Jepson CenterWashington Homeschool OrganizationSat, 16 Aug 2014 03:04:39 +0000Anne Hart1067872 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Savannah Christian family eyes mission trip to Polandhttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-07-18/hart-heart-savannah-christian-family-eyes-mission-trip-poland
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/preview_10.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="244" /></div><p>Amber and Dove McHargue of Savannah know all about challenges.</p>
<p>Having identical triplet boys? Check.</p>
<p>Overcoming all the complications and emotional turmoil when the triplets were born prematurely at 32 weeks? Check.</p>
<p>Homeschooling the now healthy, smart, beyond energetic 7-year-old redheaded triplets? Check.</p>
<p>Planning to take the boys on a Savannah Christian mission trip to Poland with Proem Ministries for the month of December 2015? Why not?</p>
<p>Chances are you’ve heard of or attended the impressive “The Journey,” the interactive Christmas story at Savannah Christian Church during the holiday season.</p>
<p>But did you know there’s a similar production modeled on the Savannah Christian Church — one that takes place in Poland each Christmas, too?</p>
<p>This upcoming Christmas, Savannah Christian is sending Amber and Dove, who is a professor at</p>
<p>Savannah College of Art and Design and comic book artist, and their exuberant trio to Poland for December with Proem Ministries.</p>
<p>This spirited Savannah family will be involved in many areas while there, participating in camps, music, workshops and anywhere they are needed.</p>
<p>The McHargues will also have the opportunity to serve in the Polish version of “The Journey,” a re-enactment of the night Jesus Christ was born, called “The Journey to Bethlehem.” Last year during the 10 nights that it ran in Poland, 5,000 people attended.</p>
<p>Dove, Amber and the triplets Alexander (Lex), Brody and Collin (their first initials are ABC, after how triplets are medically referred to in-utero) have been involved with the Savannah production since the boys were 4.</p>
<p>“It has become a huge part of Christmas for us,” Amber said. “‘The Journey’ is so amazing because it gives you an actual sense of what really happened that amazing night. You get to experience it. It is relatable and understandable to almost every age. It’s indescribable to get to be a tiny part of sharing that with people, the incredible story of God’s love. We can’t wait to share that in Poland.”</p>
<p>Dove and Amber have been active members of Savannah Christian’s latechurch campus, which meets in the Lucas Theatre downtown, for years. Dove plays in the latechurch band; Amber is a leader in the children’s ministry.</p>
<p>“They love God, and they love people and they have invested the talents, resources and energy of their family into choosing compassion here in Savannah and now they’re taking it with them to Poland,” said Carolyn Kixmiller, ministry assistant to local outreach at Savannah Christian Church. “We know that their unique gifts for music, working with children, encouragement and just having fun will be a blessing to the Proem staff and an asset in ‘The Journey to Bethlehem’ this year.”</p>
<p>And it’s clear the McHargue family is up to the challenge.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Many missions locally, globally </strong></p>
<p>Savannah Christian Church has been partnering with Proem Ministries in Poland for several years. A couple of years ago, Proem sent one of their ministry director’s families to live and work with Savannah Christian in Savannah for a year.</p>
<p>“That family was here for ‘The Journey’ and they were so amazed by the response of our community to that event that they decided they needed to do this for their community, too,” Kixmiller said. “When they returned to Poland, they started working hard to put together ‘The Journey to Bethlehem’ and it was an incredible success. Nothing like this had ever been done in their region and the response was incredible.”</p>
<p>National news channels and newspapers from all over Poland came to see this incredible interactive nativity.</p>
<p>Poland is just one mission Savannah Christian is involved with here and around the world.</p>
<p>Savannah Christian Global Outreach partners with ministries in more than 20 countries worldwide. This year, Savannah Christian will have sent out more than 30 short-term mission trip teams of various sizes to its international partners.</p>
<p>“In the past six weeks alone, we have sent short-term mission teams to Zimbabwe, Ghana, Poland, Ecuador, Guatemala, Greece and Haiti, in addition to partners in the United States,” Kixmiller said.</p>
<p>The church is heavily invested in serving our local community, as well.</p>
<p>As Kixmiller said: “We have over 25 local ministry partners that we work alongside to do everything from serve the homeless; provide free tutoring and after-school programs to kids; support local families who have adopted or are fostering children; provide safe shelter to women in crisis: offer food and clothing to families in need through our on-campus Lighthouse Ministry; encourage local teachers by donating school supplies and helping to clean and landscape local schools and more.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>How to help</p>
<p>You can help send the McHargue family to Poland by attending a huge yard sale/bake sale from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2 at 136 E. 64th St. Proceeds from the sale will go toward the family’s mission trip to Poland.</p>
<p>If you have any items to donate to the yard sale or bake sale, there will be a donation drop-off day from 2-7 p.m. Aug. 1 at the same address (corner of 64th and Habersham.) Learn more about Savannah Christian Church’s ministries in Savannah and around the world at <a href="http://www.sccgo.com" title="www.sccgo.com">www.sccgo.com</a> and by liking the Savannah Christian Church Global Outreach page on Facebook.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-07-18/hart-heart-savannah-christian-family-eyes-mission-trip-poland#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartEntertainmentAmber McHargueAnne HartartistCarolyn KixmillerChristian ChurchChristmasContact DetailsDove McHargueEntertainmentGeography of GeorgiaGeorgiaJesus ChristNS SavannahPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPolandprofessorQuotationSavannahSavannah Christian Preparatory SchoolSavannah College of ArtSavannah metropolitan areaSavannah, GeorgiaSS SavannahUnited StatesSat, 19 Jul 2014 02:31:08 +0000Anne Hart1065453 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Moms 'Target' gun sensehttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-06-20/hart-heart-moms-target-gun-sense
<p> Dear Target,</p>
<p>On July 1, the open carry law — dubbed the “guns everywhere” law — goes into effect allowing Georgia residents who have concealed carry permits to take guns into some bars, school zones, government buildings and certain parts of airports.</p>
<p>Brilliant. Just what we need, more access to firearms. Especially in the country that has a gun murder rate 20 times higher than any other developed country; where more than 2 million children live in a home with unsecured firearms; and where 86 Americans are killed with guns every day. </p>
<p>Not surprisingly, the legislation, signed by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and supported by the majority of our state’s elected officials, is being trumpeted by the NRA as the “most comprehensive” gun bill in state history and opposed by Georgia law enforcement, county commissioners, municipal leaders and the Transportation Security Administration for its potentially harmful impact on Georgians’ safety.</p>
<p>Lesser known fact: The legislation is also opposed by moms like me who put the safety of our children first. Because basically the law allows Georgians to carry guns into a lot of public places where guns should not be as long as the property owner hasn’t banned them. </p>
<p>Please Target, show us that, unlike our politicians, you aren’t owned by the gun lobby.</p>
<p>Please Target, join the other brave businesses that have taken a stand against firearms in their businesses. </p>
<p>Please pay attention to the petition — signed by 300,000-plus — started by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America that asks you to get gun sense and stop allowing open carry of guns in and around your stores. </p>
<p>The gun-sense petition comes on the heels of similar campaigns at Starbucks, Chipotle, Sonic, Chili’s and Jack in the Box that led these companies to take quick action to stand with Moms and enforce or adopt policies that prohibit open carry to protect the safety of their employees and customers. </p>
<p>Facebook and Instagram also announced changes to block illegal gun sales after 230,000 Americans signed a Moms Demand Action petition asking for stronger protections against illegal gun sales there. </p>
<p>Target, won’t you get gun sense and join them?</p>
<p>Especially after a loaded 9 mm handgun was found last month (with eight bullets inside) atop a superhero box in the toy section of a Target store in Myrtle Beach, S.C.?</p>
<p>Until you do get gun sense, Target, Moms </p>
<p>Demand Action is asking parents like me to be part of their #OffTarget weekends. Which means that instead of shopping at Target on Saturdays and Sundays, we’ll spend our dollars at companies with gun sense. </p>
<p>I’m in. </p>
<p>Critics will say that we should rely on “personal responsibility” not laws — and enforcing those laws — to encourage firearm responsibility and to help protect citizens.</p>
<p>But do we rely on “personal responsibility” when it comes to drinking and driving? No. In fact, in the 1980s, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) helped pass federal and state laws to address a growing epidemic of drunk driving related deaths. And since MADD was founded in 1980, the number of drunk driving deaths in the U.S. has been cut in half.</p>
<p>I join moms who reward businesses that put the safety of our children ahead of the wishes of the gun lobby. Which is why I’ll be among those parents avoiding Target and supporting companies that already say no to open carry — companies like Whole Foods, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Food Lion and even the online retailer Amazon because it prohibits private gun sales.</p>
<p>Moms Demand Action asks that parents take a photo of ourselves shopping at a company with gun sense or photos of what we bought there. Be sure to include the hashtag #OffTarget in your photo. Then send your photos to <a href="mailto:photos@momsdemandaction.org">photos@momsdemandaction.org</a></p>
<p>Target, get gun sense. </p>
<p>Until then moms like me who put the safety of our children first will take our shopping #OffTarget every weekend. And you can send your critical Second-Amendment-trumps-human-life hate emails to <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>.</p>
<p />
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
<p /></p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-06-20/hart-heart-moms-target-gun-sense#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartBusinessLaborLawFacebookJack in the BoxSonicStarbucksTargetAmericaAnne HartBusinessConcealed carry in the United StatesContact DetailsGeorgiaGeorgiaGovernorGun politicsGun politics in the United StatesHandgunLaborLawNathan DealNational Rifle AssociationOpen carry in the United StatesPerson CareerPerson Email AddressPoliticsPolitics of the United StatesSat, 21 Jun 2014 02:37:40 +0000Anne Hart1063124 at http://savannahnow.comHart to Heart: Soak up summer before it endshttp://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-05-23/hart-heart-soak-summer-it-ends
<p> School’s out for summer. </p>
<p>But any second those depressing back-to-school ads will start and we’ll all be shopping for pencils and backpacks. So from the second that school dismissal bell rings, let’s vow to savor these fleeting summer days. </p>
<p>Here are 6 things to do with kids before Savannah’s summer ends. </p>
<p>1. Get schooled on Lee and Sherman: This summer kids can get a limited edition Civil War badge from Georgia State Parks. Georgia State Parks and Historic sites are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with this limited addition Junior Ranger badge. Children are required to complete a certain number of activities such as visiting certain state parks, attend special events, find historic markers et. For ages 7 and older. Details: <a href="http://gastateparks.org/Parks/jrranger/JRanger-CivilWar.pdf" title="http://gastateparks.org/Parks/jrranger/JRanger-CivilWar.pdf">http://gastateparks.org/Parks/jrranger/JRanger-CivilWar.pdf</a></p>
<p> 2. Read and win: Take part in Live Oak Public Libraries Summer Reading Program June 1-Aug. 16. Visit any Live Oak Public Libraries Branch and pick up your “Fizz Boom Read!” reading log or download one from <a href="http://www.liveoakpl.org" title="www.liveoakpl.org">www.liveoakpl.org</a>. To qualify for all the great prizes, you’ll need to register online on the “Discovery Lab” web page (through <a href="http://www.liveoakpl.org" title="www.liveoakpl.org">www.liveoakpl.org</a>). At the library’s Discovery Lab site, you can also share reviews of your favorite books, see what others are reading for the summer, make a wish list, and keep track of what you’ve read. For reading, you earn coupons for various local treats and activities; a coupon good for a free book at Barnes &amp; Noble; and chances to win this year’s grand prize is a $500 spending spree at Savannah Mall. </p>
<p>3. Daytrips to water parks: Sure Pooler’s water park isn’t open yet, but that doesn’t mean your kids have to miss out on lazy rivers and water slides. Check out Spash in the Boro in Statesboro and Summer Waves on Jekyll Island. Charleston, S.C. has some more low-key ones - Splash Zone Waterpark in Charleston and Splash Island Waterpark in Mount Pleasant. </p>
<p>4. Kids’ weekday, morning movies for $1 and $4: Starting June 3 through Aug. 7, theaters in Savannah and Pooler show children’s movies on certain weekday mornings. Admission ranges from $1 to $4. Participating theaters include: Savannah Stadium 10 behind Savannah Mall, Victory Square 9 Cinemas, Carmike 10, Pooler Stadium Cinema 12, Royal Cinemas IMAX in Pooler. For a complete listing of movie titles, showtimes and dates visit: <a href="http://www.southernmamas.com/1-summer-kids-morning-movies-cinemas-in-savannah-pooler/" title="http://www.southernmamas.com/1-summer-kids-morning-movies-cinemas-in-savannah-pooler/">http://www.southernmamas.com/1-summer-kids-morning-movies-cinemas-in-sav...</a></p>
<p>5. Summer zoo deals: Once again this summer, Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens in Columbia, S.C. will offer their popular summer BOGO deal called Toucan Tuesdays. You can donate two cans of food and receive a buy-one, get-one admission to Riverbanks every Tuesday this summer beginning June 3 until Aug. 26. <a href="http://www.riverbanks.org" title="www.riverbanks.org">www.riverbanks.org</a></p>
<p>Jacksonville Zoo and Garden has a sweet deal on Father’s Day June 15: Dads receive free admission when they present a coupon that will be available on the zoo’s web site: <a href="http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org" title="www.jacksonvillezoo.org">www.jacksonvillezoo.org</a></p>
<p>6. Cannonballs and belly flops: Some Savannah neighborhoods have small, active pools that you can pay to join even if you don’t live in the neighborhood. A few have diving boards, offer swim lessons for a fee or have swim teams which compete with other local pools. </p>
<p>• Magnolia Park Pool: Corner of Morgan Street and Bacon Park Drive adjacent to newly redone playground with new, unique playground equipment: <a href="http://www.magnoliaparksavannah.com/" title="www.magnoliaparksavannah.com/">www.magnoliaparksavannah.com/</a> </p>
<p>• Kensington Park Pool: 101 Althea Court (just off Kensington Drive). Contact <a href="mailto:Kensigntonpool@aol.com">Kensigntonpool@aol.com</a>, <a href="http://www.kensingtonpool.com" title="www.kensingtonpool.com">www.kensingtonpool.com</a> </p>
<p>• Wilmington Park Pool: 30 South Cromwell Road. <a href="http://www.wilmingtonpark.org" title="www.wilmingtonpark.org">www.wilmingtonpark.org</a></p>
<p>• Isle of Hope Pool : 409 Parkersburg Road. </p>
<p>• Mayfair Pool: 1462 Dale Drive</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>Contact Anne Hart at <a href="mailto:anne@southernmamas.com">anne@southernmamas.com</a>. </p>
<p />
<p /></p>
</p>
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2014-05-23/hart-heart-soak-summer-it-ends#commentsAccentColumnAnne HartBusinessEntertainmentTechnologyReadingAnne HartBusinessContact DetailsEntertainmentGeorgiahttp://gastateparks.org/Parks/jrranger/JRanger-CivilWar.pdfMagnolia Park PoolPerson Email AddressSavannah MallSplash IslandSummer WavesTechnologyUSDWater parkwww.liveoakpl.orgSat, 24 May 2014 02:36:28 +0000Anne Hart1060654 at http://savannahnow.com